American Playhouse (1981–…): Season 4, Episode 14 - Under the Biltmore Clock - full transcript
In 1915 Chicago, 21-year-old Myra Harper sets her sights on the wealthy and reserved Knowleton Whitney to get him to marry her. All goes well, but later when Myra gets to meet his wacky parents, it turns out to be much harder for Myra than simply landing the man of her dreams.
(murmuring voices)
(rich, full music)
(chattering voices)
- [Voiceover] Meet me
under the clock tomorrow.
- [Voiceover] About as much
of a chance of that as.
- And I didn't find
out till the next day
that he was the principal.
(laughter)
- [Voiceover] Hi, David.
- Well, you finally got here.
I'd say we're just in time.
- Hiya, kiddo.
- David Cunningham,
at your service, Miss.
- Harper, Myra Harper.
- Miss Harper, where
have you been hiding?
- Until recently, Cleveland.
- David, it's
Myra's first mixer.
We thought it would be nice
to introduce her around.
- Oh, well, I'm sure we
could do that for her,
couldn't we, David?
- Well, I think
she'd rather dance.
- Well, I am anxious
to meet everybody.
But the music is so nice.
Maybe I would like to dance.
See you later.
- Why couldn't you have been
just a little bit later?
(upbeat music)
- Where you from, David?
- [David] Right
here, born and bred.
- Oh, lucky.
I just know I'm going
to love New York.
- [David] I'd be glad to
show you around the city.
- Well, thank you.
Do you like the theater?
I go whenever I have a chance.
Last week, I saw John Barrymore
in The Fortune Hunter.
- [David] Well, I am really
more interested in sports.
I'm the first string
quarterback on our school team.
- Ah, that's just wonderful.
- [Voiceover] Myra!
- Hello, Lilah.
- We're going for some ice
cream in a little while.
Do you want to come along?
- Why, I don't know.
David?
- Whatever you'd like, Myra.
- Okay.
- I'll miss you so much, Myra.
- I can't bear to
think about losing you.
- You're not going to
lose me, sweetheart.
I'll be back before you know it.
- You will be careful, darling?
- I promise.
I'll get us some punch.
(bright music)
- Doesn't Joe look
keen in his uniform?
- Hm.
- I don't know what I'm
going to do when he's gone.
- Oh, I'm sure you'll
think of something.
- Lilah, really.
- You forget, Myra.
I've seen you stuck
on boys before.
- This is different.
He's going off to fight.
That sobers a person up,
I mean, the whole experience
is giving me a much more
serious outlook on things.
- Hello, Lilah, how are you?
- Exhausted from watching
Myra carry the torch for you.
- Well then, what about
the Coconut Grove,
or the Midnight Frolic?
- Mm, I'd rather go
to the Palais Royale.
- Darling, that's
getting so old.
- [Voiceover] Ron.
- They must all seem
old to you, Myra.
- Oh.
- [Voiceover] Why don't
we start at The Red Room,
and go from there.
- [Voiceover] Let's
go for Sunday.
- Hey, Knowleton.
Hello.
- Hello, how are you?
- How are you?
- Nice to see you.
- Knowleton, do
you know everyone?
- [Voiceover] Hello, Knowleton.
- [Voiceover] I haven't
had the pleasure.
- [Voiceover] I thought
everyone knew you, Myra.
- [Voiceover] Knowleton
Whitney, Myra Harper.
- Hello, Knowleton.
- How do you do?
- Much better, thank you.
- Well, I've got to be going.
- I hear there's a
wonderful new band
at Happy Roan's.
Why don't you join us?
- [Voiceover] Happy Roan's,
that's a great idea.
Why didn't I think of that?
- I couldn't intrude.
- Don't be silly.
Besides, I need someone
to teach me the new steps.
- I'm afraid I'm not
a very good dancer.
- I'm sure you have
great potential.
- Well, I really
don't think that I.
- We won't take no for
an answer, darling.
- She's really something.
- A line.
- Knowleton better watch out.
- [Voiceover] I wish I'd been
a senorita, or a mademoiselle,
or something.
Good gracious, what is there
to do once you've come out
except marry and retire?
- Nothing.
Do it.
- I can't seem to get
interested, Lilah.
I've played around
so much that even
while I'm kissing a
man, I wonder how soon
I'll tire of him.
I never get carried
away like I used to.
- Well, take it from me.
Do not get married
unless you are absolutely
through playing around.
It means giving up an
awful lot, you know.
- Through.
I'm tired of my whole,
pointless existence.
Up at New Haven last
spring, the men I danced
with seemed like little boys.
I overheard a girl in
the dressing room say,
"There's Myra Harper,
she's been coming up here
"for eight years."
Of course, she was about
three years off, but,
it did give me the
calendar blues.
- You and I went to our
first prom when we were 16.
- Some men are
even afraid of me.
Isn't that odd?
Oh, one man dropped
me like a hotcake
after coming down
from Moorestown
for three straight weekends.
Some kind friend
told him that I was
husband hunting this
year, and he was
afraid he'd get in too deep.
- Well, you are husband
hunting, aren't you?
- I suppose so.
After a fashion.
- Here's my advice.
Pick out the best
thing in sight,
the man who has all
the mental, physical,
social and financial
qualities you want,
and then go after
him, hammer and tongs.
The way we used to.
Now, after you've got him,
do not say to yourself,
"Well, he can't sing like
Billy, or I wish he played
"better golf."
You can't have everything.
Just shut your eyes, turn
off your sense of humor,
and then after you're married,
it'll be very different
and you'll be mighty glad.
- I've heard that advice before.
But to tell you
the truth, darling,
I have decided to
go after someone.
- Who?
- Have you ever met
Knowleton Whitney?
You know what a
whiz he is on looks,
and his father's
worth a fortune.
They say.
- Mm, I hear his parents keep
him on a pretty short leash.
- Believe me, I may
be a bit blase',
but I can still
get any man I want.
- You really want him?
- Yes.
As much as I've
ever wanted anyone.
Ah, he's smart as a whip.
And he's shy,
rather sweetly shy.
- Well, Myra, I'd wish you luck,
except somehow, I don't think
it's going to be necessary.
(clopping hooves)
- [Both] He's the very model
of a major modern General
He is the very model of
a modern Major-General.
- I just love that show.
- They always seem
better when I'm with you.
- I'm glad we both
like the theater.
- That's just a
small part of it.
Working in Wall Street is,
well, it's the one place
I really feel comfortable.
Except when I'm
with you, of course.
- It seems like a lot
of responsibility to me.
- Well, I do get to do a
lot more when Father's away.
Um, he likes things
done in a certain way
when he's here.
- When will you be
going out on your own?
- Well, the experience
I'm getting now
is quite valuable.
I doubt I could
learn nearly as much
working anywhere else.
- When are your
parents returning?
- I'm not sure.
Once Mother gets to Europe,
it's hard getting
her home again.
She enjoys rubbing
shoulders with royalty.
- Oh, a title is very
important to some people.
- Hm.
- I'd love to meet them.
- Yeah, yes, of course.
- Tell me more about your work.
- Mm, I've been talking about
myself too much already.
- [Myra] Darling, you're
my favorite subject.
- Myra, I can't tell you
how much you mean to me.
- I've never felt this
way before either.
- I can't bear to
be apart from you.
- It's so sudden, like a dream.
- One I never want to end.
- I want this feeling to
last forever, my darling.
(soft piano melody)
(whimsical music)
Say it.
- I love you.
- Knowleton?
- Hm?
- You've made me very happy.
- Myra, I.
- I know.
What is it?
- I was trying to decide
what to tell my parents.
- What to tell them?
- I mean how to tell them.
You see, they have
some very strong ideas
about who I.
They won't be able to resist you
anymore than I can.
- Goodnight, my love.
- Goodnight.
(rumbling engine)
- Myra!
- Hello, Mama.
- But, where is Knowleton, dear?
Your letter said
he'd be with you.
- He has some important
business to attend to.
It came up at the last minute.
- [Voiceover] I should
think meeting his future
mother-in-law would
be important, too.
- Well, his father is away,
so naturally Knowleton
had to handle it, but
he promised he'd be here
in two days.
- If your father were
alive, he'd be very upset.
Knowleton hasn't even
properly asked for your hand.
- Do you think this
would have influenced
Daddy's disposition?
- Do you really love him, Myra?
- At first I wasn't sure.
I think I went after
him because he's
such a good catch.
They're very wealthy.
But, when I got to know him,
oh, I found out what a good
and gentle person he really is.
He may be a little too
influenced by his parents now,
but he'll change.
He knows what he wants.
I love him very much, Mama.
Really.
- Of course you do, Myra.
- Well, a few days is one thing,
but two weeks?
What explanation does he give?
- He's having some
difficulties at work.
Sh, sh, sh, sh, sh, sh.
- [Voiceover] Hello, Myra.
- Hello, Aunt Vera.
- How are you dear?
- Would you like me
to get you something
to eat, Myra?
* Just waiting for you
* Nothing else I can do
* That's why I'm so blue
* And the stars that twinkle
* Overhead each night
* They try to tell
me it's alright
* That soon you'll
be here by my side
* Oh, can't you see
* What it's doing to me
* Darlin' where can you be
* Because with out
you I'm so blue
* Can't you see
* What it's doing to me
* Darlin' where can you be
* Because without
you I'm so blue *
(shrill ring of telephone)
- Hello?
- [Voiceover] Hello, Myra.
- Oh, hello, Sally, how are you?
- [Voiceover] Guess what?
Jane is going to
join us for lunch.
- Well, if you ask me,
I think she was foolish
not to marry that
young Lieutenant.
Oh, what's his name?
- Joe.
- Such a sweet boy.
And so handsome.
- He died in France.
- I thought that was the flyer.
- No, Mike was
killed here in Ohio.
An accident at Kelly Field.
(door buzzer)
- [Voiceover] How
does 12:30 sound?
- [Myra] 12:30's fine.
- [Voiceover] Is the
Regency Cafe alright?
- It's swell.
I'll meet you there?
- [Voiceover] Good.
- Bye.
- It's from Westchester.
- [Aunt Vera] Not
bad news, I hope.
- Knowleton's parents
have returned.
They want to meet me.
- He's not coming here?
- They're expecting me
in Westchester on Friday.
- Well, you'll go with
her, of course, Louise.
- Well.
- Mama, I think it would
be best if I went alone.
- Well, I am going to be
busy with wedding plans.
- Well, I don't
think it's proper.
- Aunt Vera, if I decide
to do it, it's proper.
- [Voiceover] You're lucky.
So many of the women we see
down at the Settlement House
are treated badly
by their husbands.
- Oh, I can't imagine
Knowleton ever doing
anything like that.
He is such a sweet dear.
- Believe me, Myra, there
are plenty who aren't.
I'm hopeful that will
change, now that we're
going to get the vote.
- I can't see how the
vote is going to change
something like that.
- Myra, political
power is the only thing
that men understand,
it'll give us some say
over our destiny.
- I've always had that,
and I didn't need
the vote to get it.
(gasping)
Oh, what do you
think of this one?
Isn't it beautiful?
- It's very nice.
- It's perfect.
I just know his
parents will love this.
Sally, I'm sorry.
Here we planned to
have this nice chat
over lunch, and I
drag you off shopping.
It's just that I have to
impress Knowleton's parents.
- It's very important
to you, isn't it, Myra?
- It's the most important
thing that's ever
happened to me.
Oh, I know what you're
doing is important, Sally.
But the only goal I've
ever had is to get married.
And I never thought
I'd find somebody
I'd really love,
till I met Knowleton.
- Well, I hope it all
works out for you, Myra.
- Oh, it will.
It will.
(train bells ringing)
- [Voiceover] Hi, dad!
- [Voiceover] All aboard!
(clanking of train)
(chirping birds)
Damn.
- [Voiceover] You Miss Harper?
- Yes.
- Chaffeur's sick, I'm his son.
- You mean Mr.
Whitney's chauffeur?
- Yeah.
He only keeps one since the war.
Great on economizing.
A regular Hoover.
Well, no use standing
around here gabbing.
Let's have your grip.
You got anymore bags?
- My trunk.
- Big car's broke.
I have to use this one, or walk.
Step in.
- I think I'll ride in the
back if you don't mind.
- Well, surest thing, you know?
I just thought that trunk
bumping around back there
might make you nervous.
- What trunk?
- Yours.
- Oh.
Can't you make two trips?
I'm sure Mr. Whitney.
- No, wouldn't allow it.
Not since the war.
It's up to rich folks
to set an example,
that's what Mr. Whitney says.
Let's have your check, please.
(sputtering enging)
(spirited music)
(ticking of clock)
(gasp)
- You must be Mr. Whitney.
I'm Myra Harper.
I'm.
- Yes, of course!
Naturally, yes, I know, I know.
- I'm very glad to be here.
- Oh, you must be tired.
A cindery, rickety,
ghastly trip, I know.
Tired, hungry and thirsty.
No doubt, no doubt.
The servants in this house
are frightfully inefficient.
A little minute, sixty
seconds, scarcely more.
Here.
Here, sit down, sit down.
I'll get you something.
Sixty seconds, at the outside.
Well, sit down, sit down.
Hungry from your
trip, poor girl.
Poor little girl.
Starving.
(pounding footsteps)
(chiming)
(whistling)
- Myra?
Why, they didn't tell
me you were here.
- Your father welcomed me.
- Oh, lordy, he
must've gone upstairs
and forgotten all about it.
Did he insist on you
eating that stuff?
Why didn't you tell him
you didn't want any?
- I don't know.
- Oh.
Well, how are you, Myra?
- Fine, now.
- Oh.
Darling, I'm sorry I
wasn't here to welcome you.
Have you been waiting long?
- Only a few minutes.
- Ah, well.
You mustn't mind Father.
He's forgetful, and a
little bit unconventional,
but you'll get used to him.
- Oh, we'll be great friends.
- Oh, you must be exhausted.
Let's get you settled.
Oh, Monroe.
Would you show Miss
Harper to her room?
- Aren't you coming up with me?
- No, you go on up
and have a rest,
and I'll be up in an hour or so,
and get you for dinner.
- Alright.
I'm glad to be here, Knowleton.
- I'm glad you're here, too.
(creaking)
(throat clearing)
- This way, Miss.
- These people certainly
don't stay in one place
very long.
(deep sigh)
(knocking)
- Come in.
- Almost ready, Myra.
- Is anything wrong, Knowleton?
- No, why?
- You seem so distant.
Almost as if you're
not very glad I'm here.
- I'm sorry, darling, it was a,
it was just such
a shock seeing you
sitting there in the
hall, all alone like that.
- You were expecting
me, weren't you?
- Well, of course.
It's just that my schedule's
been so hectic lately,
and, oh, you smell so nice.
Um, what with Mother
and Father returning
so unexpectedly, and.
Well, if you're about ready now,
we'll go in and see Mother
for a minute before dinner.
- Isn't she joining us?
I can't imagine living
in a place this gigantic.
Who else lives in this wing?
- Our rooms are down this way.
(whimpering)
Mother?
(barking)
- Hush that racket!
(sneeze)
(snoring)
- Mother?
This is Myra.
- Myra?
- She's visiting us.
I told you.
- Child.
You want to marry
my son, Knowleton?
- [Myra] Yes, Mrs. Whitney.
- [Mrs. Whitney]
How old are you?
- 21, Mrs. Whitney.
- And you're from,
Cleveland?
- Yes, Mrs. Whitney.
- Ah.
You'll excuse me if I
don't appear downstairs.
But, when we're in the east,
I seldom leave this room.
And my dear little doggies.
Well, you seem like
a very nice girl.
Come in again.
(snoring)
- [Knowleton] Goodnight, Mother.
- Night.
(snoring)
(barking)
- [Mrs. Whitney] Hush up!
- Knowleton.
- Utterly charming,
completely delightful.
One big happy family.
And you are the
jewel of it, my dear.
- Ah, why, thank
you, Mr. Whitney.
It's an honor to be the
jewel in your family.
- Ah, lovely, lovely, lovely.
Yes, I'm sure you have
many talents, Myra.
Knowleton tells me you're
an excellent dancer.
- Oh, my partners
make me look good.
- Oh, you're a charmer, alright.
You know, it's been
very lonely here,
desolate with just us three.
We'll expect you to bring
sunshine and warmth,
with that peculiar
radiance which is the
effervescence of youth.
Knowleton said you piped
a little, piped a little.
Do you sing?
- Well, I have.
I do, some.
- Splendid, magnificent!
What do you sing?
You sing grand opera,
ballads, the popular music?
- Mostly popular music.
- Oh, Cora?
Didn't you forget?
- Yes, but personally
I prefer popular music.
You know, I think that
I'm going to invite
a few neighbors over.
We're very friendly hereabouts.
- Oh, Father, I really don't
think that's necessary.
- No, I want them to meet Myra.
I want them to meet
this delightful jewel
who's going to grace
our little household.
- Father, eventually,
Myra and I will want
to live here with you
and Mother, but I think
for the first two or
three years an apartment
in New York would
be more the thing.
- Nonsense.
Don't talk such utter nonsense!
You'll live here, here in
this house, do you understand?
And no place else.
After all, what's a
house without children?
- Yes, but Father.
- Silence!
If you expect any help from me,
you'll get it here,
here, under this roof
and no where else.
Do you understand?
Is that clear?
And as for you my
exquisite young lady,
you'd better understand
that the best thing
you can do is to
settle down right here.
This is my home.
And I intend to keep it so.
- Well.
(moans and cries)
(suspenseful music)
(moaning and crying)
- Ah.
Good morning, darling.
- Ah, good morning.
Did you sleep well?
- Mm.
- Would you like some breakfast?
- That sounds wonderful.
I'm starved.
- Our family must
seem a bit unusual.
- Well, I suppose all
families seem a little odd
the first time you visit them.
- Yes, well, I've been
brought up in a rather
different sort of
atmosphere, I suppose,
but Mother's really
quite normal, outside
her penchant for poodles
in large quantities, and
Father, in spite of his
eccentricities seems to hold
a secure position
on Wall Street.
- Must be difficult for
them to accept someone
who's here to steal
away their only son.
- Oh.
Why, it's just the
gardener, dear.
(laughter)
- Knowleton, who lives
in the room above mine?
Because I'm almost sure
I heard someone crying,
upstairs, it sounded
like a child.
Knowleton?
- Well, there's no one up there.
It was either your imagination,
or something you ate.
Or possibly one of the
maids was being sick.
- Do they live upstairs?
- Ah, lovely, lovely,
lovely, lovely.
- Ah, good morning,.
- [Knowleton] Good morning.
- Thank you, Bower, thank you.
Oh, I think our
neighbors are just going
to fall in love with
our little prize.
- Father, you didn't.
- Well, I had Monroe
call up a few people.
We sometimes give
informal little things.
Oh, it's going to
be quite delightful.
- But, I told you I.
- It's only a few
friendly neighbors.
Myra doesn't mind, do you Myra?
- It's alright, Knowleton,
you know I love parties.
- Oh, Cora, could I have
some coffee, please?
Eh, Cora.
I'm afraid the war has
spoiled our domestic help,
don't you agree, Myra?
- Well.
- Knowleton?
- Yes.
- I've been thinking about
your father's insistence
that we live here.
Isn't there some way
of changing his mind?
I think it's very
important that we have
our privacy, darling.
- I'm not sure what he
would do if I crossed him.
He still has me on an allowance,
a very generous one.
- Couldn't you go to
work for another company?
You have a lot of
very good experience.
- I doubt I could earn enough
to support us very well.
- Oh, Knowleton.
You don't give
yourself enough credit.
I know you can do very well.
And besides, once your
father got used to the idea
of us living alone,
he'll change his mind.
- Or perhaps I could
talk to Mother.
I'm not sure how
she feels about it.
- Do you think so?
Oh, darling, if she could
convince your father,
that would be wonderful!
I love you so much, Knowleton.
What is it?
- Nothing, darling.
I love you, too.
- I'd begun to wonder if I'd
ever hear you say that again.
You've been acting so
strangely ever since I arrived.
I'd begun to wonder if
you've changed your mind
about marrying me.
- Look, everything will be fine.
I'll take care of it, somehow.
(whimpering and snoring)
(knocking)
(barking)
- Hush now!
Come in.
(creaking door)
Yes, who is it?
- It's Myra Harper,
Mrs. Whitney.
How are you feeling?
- Much better, thank you.
Especially since
I've heard the news.
- News?
- Yes, Mr. Whitney told me that
you and Knowleton will
be living with us.
- Mrs. Whitney, that's
just what I'm here
to talk to you about.
Has Knowleton spoken to you?
- Knowleton?
Where is my Knowleton?
I haven't seen him all day.
- I believe he's downstairs.
I'll ask him to come up.
He wants to talk to you about.
- We'll have such fun.
You can keep me company.
We'll play cards together,
and you can read aloud to me.
We're going to be
great friends, Myra.
(happy music)
(laughter)
- Myra, Myra!
Myra, you must meet
Mrs. Cavanaugh,
one of our very dearest
and oldest friends.
She's Knowleton's godmother.
Well, there she is, Myra Harper.
Isn't she everything I told you?
- I'm pleased to meet you.
- Harper.
By any chance, are you related
to Judge Harper, of Saratoga?
- No, I don't think so.
- Pity.
You know of course,
that Knowleton used
to go around with one
of the Vanderbilt girls?
I can't think why he let her go.
Pardon me.
- Myra, what's wrong?
Who was that?
- Don't you know her?
- I've never seen her before.
But most of these people are
Mother and Father's friends.
What did she say to you?
Is everything alright?
- I'm sorry, darling.
Things are just so
different from the way
I thought they'd be.
- I am terribly sorry.
- Knowleton, I spoke
to your mother today,
and she said that you.
- [Mr. Whitney] Hence.
- Now, what's this.
- Now, our little vaudeville
is just about to begin,
so will you please come
down and take your seats?
- Oh, it's just a little
something that Father sometimes
hooks up to entertain
the neighbors.
You may enjoy it.
- Your father never runs
out of surprises, does he?
- Now, I know that you're going
to love our first performer.
Mr. Wolf tells me he's
been practicing for weeks,
and he assures me that
he has come up with a few
things, he tells me have
never before been seen
in Westchester County.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
(crowd laughs)
(applause)
(spirited music)
(shrieking violin)
- Oh,
many a cup of this
forbidden wine
must drown the memory
of that insolence.
(whining bagpipes)
* Yearning, burning, glory
* L'amour toujours
* L'amour
(applause)
(lively music)
(applause and cheering)
- Ah, splendid!
- What?
I really don't want.
- Now, I that know that most
of you have had the honor
of meeting Miss Myra Harper.
And she's a delicious
girl, I can tell you.
And I in a positon to
know, because she intends
to become the wife of my son.
(clapping)
(applause)
Not only is Miss Harper
a beautiful woman,
but she's, she's
talented as well.
She confided in me last
night that she sings.
And she confessed
that she has a taste
in popular music.
So now Miss Harper
is going to favor us
with a popular song.
(applause)
- Do you know
Wave That Wishbone?
- Uh, let me see.
Yes, we've got it.
- Alright, let's do it.
* Once they danced the minuet
* Not so long ago
* They waltzed
around and pirouette
* So proper don't you know
* But now the day is over
* And everybody knows
* Today there is a new step
* And this is how it goes
* Just wave that
* Wishbone
* I know you know how
* Wave that wishbone for
al thatl the law will allow
* I know you've always
been a quiet sort of guy
* But you can learn to
wave it baby, don't be shy
* Wave that wishbone,
show me that you can
* If you can learn to do
it you can lead me anywhere
* Just give me a hit
of that tickle toe
* Rag it up, cause
don't you know
* When you wave that
wishbone, I fall apart
* When you wave that wishbone
you've got my heart *
(clapping)
(very light applause)
(clapping)
- Heavens, was I
as bad as all that?
- No, no, no you were wonderful,
you're a delightful actress.
You'll be quite an addition
to our little plays.
- Did I shock them?
- No, nonsense, nonsense.
Why don't you do an encore?
- No.
- [Mr. Whitney] Everything's
going to be alright.
Will you please trust me?
- [Knowleton] I
absolutely refuse to.
- Knowleton, don't worry,
everything is going to be fine.
Oh, Myra, Knowleton has
something to say to you.
- Now, look I said I.
- Silence!
I want you to do your duty now.
- What is it, darling?
- Myra, there's something
I have to tell you.
I know you've been
wondering why that
door is locked.
There's a condition
in our family,
it's hereditary.
(ominous music)
- [Myra] Knowleton,
what's in there?
- [Knowleton] Sh.
Father insisted you
should know everything
about the family.
I realize this is going to
be difficult for you, but
(squeaking of door hinge)
(cries and moans)
- Who is that?
- My first cousin.
He's been living
up there ever since
his father abandoned him.
(moaning)
It's important that
you see this because
this could happen to us.
- I can't!
- You have to.
(screaming and wailing)
(crying and moaning)
- Myra, I'm so sorry.
Oh, God.
(ticking and bells)
(muffled voices)
- [Mrs. Whitney] I know,
I know, I know, Knowleton.
- A thousand?
Say 2500 and you'll
be nearer the truth.
I got a bill today from
Graham Kennels for those
damn poodle dogs.
They're soaking me for
200, and saying they've
got to have them back tomorrow.
- [Mr. Whitney]
Well, send them back.
We're through with them.
- That's a mere item,
including your
salary, and Kelly's.
And that fellow who
did the chauffeur,
and the 35 extras for the show,
and the orchestra,
that's nearly 1200.
And then there's that
fellow in the attic.
And all the bribes to
the servants, lord.
- [Mr. Whitney] For pity's
sakes, pull yourself
together and carry it
through till the end.
- Sure.
Take my word for it.
That darned girl'll be
out of the house by noon.
- No.
- Oh, come on.
Buck up, it's all over.
You know, I thought for a
minute there in the hall
you were going to balk at
that insanity business.
- It was that song that
knocked the spots out of me.
That was about the meanest
trick ever pulled on a girl.
And she was so
darned game about it.
- Well, she had to be.
- Oh, Kelly, if you could've
seen the way she looked
at me before she fainted
in front of that door.
Lord, I believe she
really does love me.
Wonder if there was
anything I could do now.
Anything in the world that
would smooth this over,
I believe I'd do it.
- Now, look here,
my boy, look here.
Your trouble is just nerves.
It's a cinch the girl
was after your money.
Ain't that so, Appleton?
- Absolutely, go on,
go through with it.
- Well, if she really
did love me, she wouldn't
have let it all
affect her this much.
I mean, after all, she's
not marrying my family.
- Oh, I thought we tried
to make it pretty obvious
that she is.
- Oh, shut up.
- Look at it this way.
You're beating her
at her own game.
You've saved yourself
an unhappy marriage,
a lot of suffering
by your family.
She'll creep off and
never say a word about it,
and your family'll
be none the wiser.
- Yeah, you're right.
You're right, I suppose.
Oh, but if you could have
seen the look on her face.
(dramatic music)
(sobbing)
(gentle music)
- Good morning.
- Sit down.
Sit down, I want to talk to you.
I've got to talk to you.
For heaven's sake,
have pity on me.
- [Myra] What do you mean?
- I've done a ghastly thing.
To you, to me, to us.
Look, I haven't a
word to say in favor
of myself, I've been,
I've been just rotten.
I think it was a sort of madness
that came over me.
- You'll have to give me a hint
as to what you're talking about.
- Myra,
oh, my, my, my, my, my.
Myra, Mr. Whitney
is not my father.
- You mean you were adopted?
- No, I mean, Ludlow
Whitney is my father,
but that man you met
isn't Ludlow Whitney.
- I know.
He's Warren Appleton, the actor.
- How on earth did you.
- I recognized him
the first night.
- What, you knew?
- Of course.
How could I help it?
It just made me wonder what
the whole thing was about.
- I'm going to tell
you the whole story.
- [Myra] I'm all ears.
- It starts with my mother.
My real one, not that clown
with those idiotic dogs.
I'm her only child.
And her greatest
disappointment was
that I wasn't a girl so
I could marry a title.
Instead, she wanted to
drag me off to England,
marry me off to the
sister of an Earl,
the daughter of a Duke.
Right before she let
me stay here alone,
she made me promise
I wouldn't see
any girl more than twice.
And then I met you.
You were the first
girl in my life I ever
thought of marrying.
Myra, you intoxicated me.
It was almost as if you
were making me love you,
by some invisible force.
- I was.
- But after we got engaged,
I felt like my own man
for the first time.
Then a letter came
from my mother,
saying she was bringing
home my wife-to-be.
Lady Helen, or
something or other.
And the same day, a man told me
he'd heard I'd been
caught by the most
famous husband hunter
in all of New York.
Well.
Well, between those two
things, I went half crazy.
I came into town to call
the whole thing off,
but when I saw you,
all I could do was send
you off to Cleveland alone.
Then I ran into
Appleton on the street.
And within an hour, he'd
hatched up this ghastly plan,
it was his plan,
all the details.
He was so persuasive,
he convinced me
it was the kindest way out.
- Finish.
- It went splendidly,
we thought.
Everything.
The station meeting,
the dinners, the screams
in the night, the
vaudeville, though I thought
that was too much.
Until, oh Myra, when you
fainted in that stairway,
and I held you in my arms,
helpless as a baby,
I knew I loved you.
I was sorry then.
By any possible chance
you can bring yourself
to forgive and
forget, I'll marry you
whenever you say.
Let my family go to the devil,
and I'll love you all my life.
(dripping water)
- You're perfectly sure?
- Yes.
- Very well.
It was a bad mistake.
But if you're sure
you love me now,
that's the main thing.
We'll go to town this morning,
get a license, and I'll
call my cousin, Walter,
who's a minister in the
First Presbyterian Church.
We can go west tonight.
- Oh, Myra, you're a marvel.
I'm not fit to tie
your shoestrings.
I'm going to make
this up to you,
my darling girl.
- I knew I could
count on you, Walter.
Well, we should be
there about two o'clock.
That'll be fine, Walter.
I want it simple.
But memorable.
- [Voiceover] Knowleton?
- Mm.
It's awfully nice of you to go
to all this trouble, Walter.
- Well, it's not everyday my
little cousin gets married.
- Mm.
- Now, where are you going to
be going on your honeymoon?
- California.
- Hm.
That sounds wonderful.
(door buzzer)
- Ah, that must be
the Winchesters.
Pardon me.
- The witnesses.
- Ah.
- Now, now.
Let's not rush things.
- [Voiceover] In all
duty and service,
in all faith and tenderness,
to live with her,
and cherish her
according to the
ordinance of God,
in the holy bond of marriage.
- I will.
- Myra, wilt thou have
this man to be thy husband,
and wilt thou pledge thy
troth to him in all love,
and honor, in all duty
and service, in all faith
and tenderness, to live
with him, and cherish him
according to the ordinance
of God, in the holy bond
of marriage?
- I will.
- [Voiceover] Do
you have the rings?
- And now with the
power vested in me
by the state of New York.
(train whistle)
- Oh.
(humming a happy tune)
- Here's to.
- [Myra] Darn.
- What, what is it, darling?
- In all the excitement,
I forgot my bag
at Walter's.
- Oh, never mind.
We'll buy you a whole
new wardrobe in Chicago.
- But I was really counting
on having it with me.
I'll telephone him and tell
him where to send it on.
- Well, I don't think we
have enough time, darling.
Do you really need.
- Don't worry, darling,
I'll be right back.
Don't move till I get back.
- Well, hurry, darling.
Oh.
- How'd it go, Myra?
- Fine, Walter,
you were splendid.
I almost wish you'd
join the ministry so you
can officiate when
I do get married.
- Well, I rehearsed
for a half an hour
after you called.
(train whistle sounding)
- I wish we'd had more time.
I'd have had him
lease an apartment
and buy furniture.
(sad, slow music)
- Wonder how far he'll
go on his honeymoon?
- I don't know.
He'll think I'm on the train
till he gets to Elizabeth.
He's getting off too easy.
Far too easy.
- I still haven't figured
out what that fellow
did to you, Myra.
- You never will, I hope.
- It seems to me,
with all his money,
he could've given you
everything you ever wanted.
- The price was too high.
- What price?
- My pride.
You've been an angel, Walter.
I can't thank you enough.
- Well, anytime I
can be of use to you.
What are you going
to do with his ring?
- That's the question.
I may just sell it to Lady
Helen or something or other.
Well, I've always
had a strong penchant
for souvenirs.
(rumble of traffic)
- Taxi!
- [Voiceover] Where
can I drop you?
- Tell him the Biltmore, Walter.
- [Voiceover] Biltmore, driver.
(upbeat music)
(rich, full music)
(chattering voices)
- [Voiceover] Meet me
under the clock tomorrow.
- [Voiceover] About as much
of a chance of that as.
- And I didn't find
out till the next day
that he was the principal.
(laughter)
- [Voiceover] Hi, David.
- Well, you finally got here.
I'd say we're just in time.
- Hiya, kiddo.
- David Cunningham,
at your service, Miss.
- Harper, Myra Harper.
- Miss Harper, where
have you been hiding?
- Until recently, Cleveland.
- David, it's
Myra's first mixer.
We thought it would be nice
to introduce her around.
- Oh, well, I'm sure we
could do that for her,
couldn't we, David?
- Well, I think
she'd rather dance.
- Well, I am anxious
to meet everybody.
But the music is so nice.
Maybe I would like to dance.
See you later.
- Why couldn't you have been
just a little bit later?
(upbeat music)
- Where you from, David?
- [David] Right
here, born and bred.
- Oh, lucky.
I just know I'm going
to love New York.
- [David] I'd be glad to
show you around the city.
- Well, thank you.
Do you like the theater?
I go whenever I have a chance.
Last week, I saw John Barrymore
in The Fortune Hunter.
- [David] Well, I am really
more interested in sports.
I'm the first string
quarterback on our school team.
- Ah, that's just wonderful.
- [Voiceover] Myra!
- Hello, Lilah.
- We're going for some ice
cream in a little while.
Do you want to come along?
- Why, I don't know.
David?
- Whatever you'd like, Myra.
- Okay.
- I'll miss you so much, Myra.
- I can't bear to
think about losing you.
- You're not going to
lose me, sweetheart.
I'll be back before you know it.
- You will be careful, darling?
- I promise.
I'll get us some punch.
(bright music)
- Doesn't Joe look
keen in his uniform?
- Hm.
- I don't know what I'm
going to do when he's gone.
- Oh, I'm sure you'll
think of something.
- Lilah, really.
- You forget, Myra.
I've seen you stuck
on boys before.
- This is different.
He's going off to fight.
That sobers a person up,
I mean, the whole experience
is giving me a much more
serious outlook on things.
- Hello, Lilah, how are you?
- Exhausted from watching
Myra carry the torch for you.
- Well then, what about
the Coconut Grove,
or the Midnight Frolic?
- Mm, I'd rather go
to the Palais Royale.
- Darling, that's
getting so old.
- [Voiceover] Ron.
- They must all seem
old to you, Myra.
- Oh.
- [Voiceover] Why don't
we start at The Red Room,
and go from there.
- [Voiceover] Let's
go for Sunday.
- Hey, Knowleton.
Hello.
- Hello, how are you?
- How are you?
- Nice to see you.
- Knowleton, do
you know everyone?
- [Voiceover] Hello, Knowleton.
- [Voiceover] I haven't
had the pleasure.
- [Voiceover] I thought
everyone knew you, Myra.
- [Voiceover] Knowleton
Whitney, Myra Harper.
- Hello, Knowleton.
- How do you do?
- Much better, thank you.
- Well, I've got to be going.
- I hear there's a
wonderful new band
at Happy Roan's.
Why don't you join us?
- [Voiceover] Happy Roan's,
that's a great idea.
Why didn't I think of that?
- I couldn't intrude.
- Don't be silly.
Besides, I need someone
to teach me the new steps.
- I'm afraid I'm not
a very good dancer.
- I'm sure you have
great potential.
- Well, I really
don't think that I.
- We won't take no for
an answer, darling.
- She's really something.
- A line.
- Knowleton better watch out.
- [Voiceover] I wish I'd been
a senorita, or a mademoiselle,
or something.
Good gracious, what is there
to do once you've come out
except marry and retire?
- Nothing.
Do it.
- I can't seem to get
interested, Lilah.
I've played around
so much that even
while I'm kissing a
man, I wonder how soon
I'll tire of him.
I never get carried
away like I used to.
- Well, take it from me.
Do not get married
unless you are absolutely
through playing around.
It means giving up an
awful lot, you know.
- Through.
I'm tired of my whole,
pointless existence.
Up at New Haven last
spring, the men I danced
with seemed like little boys.
I overheard a girl in
the dressing room say,
"There's Myra Harper,
she's been coming up here
"for eight years."
Of course, she was about
three years off, but,
it did give me the
calendar blues.
- You and I went to our
first prom when we were 16.
- Some men are
even afraid of me.
Isn't that odd?
Oh, one man dropped
me like a hotcake
after coming down
from Moorestown
for three straight weekends.
Some kind friend
told him that I was
husband hunting this
year, and he was
afraid he'd get in too deep.
- Well, you are husband
hunting, aren't you?
- I suppose so.
After a fashion.
- Here's my advice.
Pick out the best
thing in sight,
the man who has all
the mental, physical,
social and financial
qualities you want,
and then go after
him, hammer and tongs.
The way we used to.
Now, after you've got him,
do not say to yourself,
"Well, he can't sing like
Billy, or I wish he played
"better golf."
You can't have everything.
Just shut your eyes, turn
off your sense of humor,
and then after you're married,
it'll be very different
and you'll be mighty glad.
- I've heard that advice before.
But to tell you
the truth, darling,
I have decided to
go after someone.
- Who?
- Have you ever met
Knowleton Whitney?
You know what a
whiz he is on looks,
and his father's
worth a fortune.
They say.
- Mm, I hear his parents keep
him on a pretty short leash.
- Believe me, I may
be a bit blase',
but I can still
get any man I want.
- You really want him?
- Yes.
As much as I've
ever wanted anyone.
Ah, he's smart as a whip.
And he's shy,
rather sweetly shy.
- Well, Myra, I'd wish you luck,
except somehow, I don't think
it's going to be necessary.
(clopping hooves)
- [Both] He's the very model
of a major modern General
He is the very model of
a modern Major-General.
- I just love that show.
- They always seem
better when I'm with you.
- I'm glad we both
like the theater.
- That's just a
small part of it.
Working in Wall Street is,
well, it's the one place
I really feel comfortable.
Except when I'm
with you, of course.
- It seems like a lot
of responsibility to me.
- Well, I do get to do a
lot more when Father's away.
Um, he likes things
done in a certain way
when he's here.
- When will you be
going out on your own?
- Well, the experience
I'm getting now
is quite valuable.
I doubt I could
learn nearly as much
working anywhere else.
- When are your
parents returning?
- I'm not sure.
Once Mother gets to Europe,
it's hard getting
her home again.
She enjoys rubbing
shoulders with royalty.
- Oh, a title is very
important to some people.
- Hm.
- I'd love to meet them.
- Yeah, yes, of course.
- Tell me more about your work.
- Mm, I've been talking about
myself too much already.
- [Myra] Darling, you're
my favorite subject.
- Myra, I can't tell you
how much you mean to me.
- I've never felt this
way before either.
- I can't bear to
be apart from you.
- It's so sudden, like a dream.
- One I never want to end.
- I want this feeling to
last forever, my darling.
(soft piano melody)
(whimsical music)
Say it.
- I love you.
- Knowleton?
- Hm?
- You've made me very happy.
- Myra, I.
- I know.
What is it?
- I was trying to decide
what to tell my parents.
- What to tell them?
- I mean how to tell them.
You see, they have
some very strong ideas
about who I.
They won't be able to resist you
anymore than I can.
- Goodnight, my love.
- Goodnight.
(rumbling engine)
- Myra!
- Hello, Mama.
- But, where is Knowleton, dear?
Your letter said
he'd be with you.
- He has some important
business to attend to.
It came up at the last minute.
- [Voiceover] I should
think meeting his future
mother-in-law would
be important, too.
- Well, his father is away,
so naturally Knowleton
had to handle it, but
he promised he'd be here
in two days.
- If your father were
alive, he'd be very upset.
Knowleton hasn't even
properly asked for your hand.
- Do you think this
would have influenced
Daddy's disposition?
- Do you really love him, Myra?
- At first I wasn't sure.
I think I went after
him because he's
such a good catch.
They're very wealthy.
But, when I got to know him,
oh, I found out what a good
and gentle person he really is.
He may be a little too
influenced by his parents now,
but he'll change.
He knows what he wants.
I love him very much, Mama.
Really.
- Of course you do, Myra.
- Well, a few days is one thing,
but two weeks?
What explanation does he give?
- He's having some
difficulties at work.
Sh, sh, sh, sh, sh, sh.
- [Voiceover] Hello, Myra.
- Hello, Aunt Vera.
- How are you dear?
- Would you like me
to get you something
to eat, Myra?
* Just waiting for you
* Nothing else I can do
* That's why I'm so blue
* And the stars that twinkle
* Overhead each night
* They try to tell
me it's alright
* That soon you'll
be here by my side
* Oh, can't you see
* What it's doing to me
* Darlin' where can you be
* Because with out
you I'm so blue
* Can't you see
* What it's doing to me
* Darlin' where can you be
* Because without
you I'm so blue *
(shrill ring of telephone)
- Hello?
- [Voiceover] Hello, Myra.
- Oh, hello, Sally, how are you?
- [Voiceover] Guess what?
Jane is going to
join us for lunch.
- Well, if you ask me,
I think she was foolish
not to marry that
young Lieutenant.
Oh, what's his name?
- Joe.
- Such a sweet boy.
And so handsome.
- He died in France.
- I thought that was the flyer.
- No, Mike was
killed here in Ohio.
An accident at Kelly Field.
(door buzzer)
- [Voiceover] How
does 12:30 sound?
- [Myra] 12:30's fine.
- [Voiceover] Is the
Regency Cafe alright?
- It's swell.
I'll meet you there?
- [Voiceover] Good.
- Bye.
- It's from Westchester.
- [Aunt Vera] Not
bad news, I hope.
- Knowleton's parents
have returned.
They want to meet me.
- He's not coming here?
- They're expecting me
in Westchester on Friday.
- Well, you'll go with
her, of course, Louise.
- Well.
- Mama, I think it would
be best if I went alone.
- Well, I am going to be
busy with wedding plans.
- Well, I don't
think it's proper.
- Aunt Vera, if I decide
to do it, it's proper.
- [Voiceover] You're lucky.
So many of the women we see
down at the Settlement House
are treated badly
by their husbands.
- Oh, I can't imagine
Knowleton ever doing
anything like that.
He is such a sweet dear.
- Believe me, Myra, there
are plenty who aren't.
I'm hopeful that will
change, now that we're
going to get the vote.
- I can't see how the
vote is going to change
something like that.
- Myra, political
power is the only thing
that men understand,
it'll give us some say
over our destiny.
- I've always had that,
and I didn't need
the vote to get it.
(gasping)
Oh, what do you
think of this one?
Isn't it beautiful?
- It's very nice.
- It's perfect.
I just know his
parents will love this.
Sally, I'm sorry.
Here we planned to
have this nice chat
over lunch, and I
drag you off shopping.
It's just that I have to
impress Knowleton's parents.
- It's very important
to you, isn't it, Myra?
- It's the most important
thing that's ever
happened to me.
Oh, I know what you're
doing is important, Sally.
But the only goal I've
ever had is to get married.
And I never thought
I'd find somebody
I'd really love,
till I met Knowleton.
- Well, I hope it all
works out for you, Myra.
- Oh, it will.
It will.
(train bells ringing)
- [Voiceover] Hi, dad!
- [Voiceover] All aboard!
(clanking of train)
(chirping birds)
Damn.
- [Voiceover] You Miss Harper?
- Yes.
- Chaffeur's sick, I'm his son.
- You mean Mr.
Whitney's chauffeur?
- Yeah.
He only keeps one since the war.
Great on economizing.
A regular Hoover.
Well, no use standing
around here gabbing.
Let's have your grip.
You got anymore bags?
- My trunk.
- Big car's broke.
I have to use this one, or walk.
Step in.
- I think I'll ride in the
back if you don't mind.
- Well, surest thing, you know?
I just thought that trunk
bumping around back there
might make you nervous.
- What trunk?
- Yours.
- Oh.
Can't you make two trips?
I'm sure Mr. Whitney.
- No, wouldn't allow it.
Not since the war.
It's up to rich folks
to set an example,
that's what Mr. Whitney says.
Let's have your check, please.
(sputtering enging)
(spirited music)
(ticking of clock)
(gasp)
- You must be Mr. Whitney.
I'm Myra Harper.
I'm.
- Yes, of course!
Naturally, yes, I know, I know.
- I'm very glad to be here.
- Oh, you must be tired.
A cindery, rickety,
ghastly trip, I know.
Tired, hungry and thirsty.
No doubt, no doubt.
The servants in this house
are frightfully inefficient.
A little minute, sixty
seconds, scarcely more.
Here.
Here, sit down, sit down.
I'll get you something.
Sixty seconds, at the outside.
Well, sit down, sit down.
Hungry from your
trip, poor girl.
Poor little girl.
Starving.
(pounding footsteps)
(chiming)
(whistling)
- Myra?
Why, they didn't tell
me you were here.
- Your father welcomed me.
- Oh, lordy, he
must've gone upstairs
and forgotten all about it.
Did he insist on you
eating that stuff?
Why didn't you tell him
you didn't want any?
- I don't know.
- Oh.
Well, how are you, Myra?
- Fine, now.
- Oh.
Darling, I'm sorry I
wasn't here to welcome you.
Have you been waiting long?
- Only a few minutes.
- Ah, well.
You mustn't mind Father.
He's forgetful, and a
little bit unconventional,
but you'll get used to him.
- Oh, we'll be great friends.
- Oh, you must be exhausted.
Let's get you settled.
Oh, Monroe.
Would you show Miss
Harper to her room?
- Aren't you coming up with me?
- No, you go on up
and have a rest,
and I'll be up in an hour or so,
and get you for dinner.
- Alright.
I'm glad to be here, Knowleton.
- I'm glad you're here, too.
(creaking)
(throat clearing)
- This way, Miss.
- These people certainly
don't stay in one place
very long.
(deep sigh)
(knocking)
- Come in.
- Almost ready, Myra.
- Is anything wrong, Knowleton?
- No, why?
- You seem so distant.
Almost as if you're
not very glad I'm here.
- I'm sorry, darling, it was a,
it was just such
a shock seeing you
sitting there in the
hall, all alone like that.
- You were expecting
me, weren't you?
- Well, of course.
It's just that my schedule's
been so hectic lately,
and, oh, you smell so nice.
Um, what with Mother
and Father returning
so unexpectedly, and.
Well, if you're about ready now,
we'll go in and see Mother
for a minute before dinner.
- Isn't she joining us?
I can't imagine living
in a place this gigantic.
Who else lives in this wing?
- Our rooms are down this way.
(whimpering)
Mother?
(barking)
- Hush that racket!
(sneeze)
(snoring)
- Mother?
This is Myra.
- Myra?
- She's visiting us.
I told you.
- Child.
You want to marry
my son, Knowleton?
- [Myra] Yes, Mrs. Whitney.
- [Mrs. Whitney]
How old are you?
- 21, Mrs. Whitney.
- And you're from,
Cleveland?
- Yes, Mrs. Whitney.
- Ah.
You'll excuse me if I
don't appear downstairs.
But, when we're in the east,
I seldom leave this room.
And my dear little doggies.
Well, you seem like
a very nice girl.
Come in again.
(snoring)
- [Knowleton] Goodnight, Mother.
- Night.
(snoring)
(barking)
- [Mrs. Whitney] Hush up!
- Knowleton.
- Utterly charming,
completely delightful.
One big happy family.
And you are the
jewel of it, my dear.
- Ah, why, thank
you, Mr. Whitney.
It's an honor to be the
jewel in your family.
- Ah, lovely, lovely, lovely.
Yes, I'm sure you have
many talents, Myra.
Knowleton tells me you're
an excellent dancer.
- Oh, my partners
make me look good.
- Oh, you're a charmer, alright.
You know, it's been
very lonely here,
desolate with just us three.
We'll expect you to bring
sunshine and warmth,
with that peculiar
radiance which is the
effervescence of youth.
Knowleton said you piped
a little, piped a little.
Do you sing?
- Well, I have.
I do, some.
- Splendid, magnificent!
What do you sing?
You sing grand opera,
ballads, the popular music?
- Mostly popular music.
- Oh, Cora?
Didn't you forget?
- Yes, but personally
I prefer popular music.
You know, I think that
I'm going to invite
a few neighbors over.
We're very friendly hereabouts.
- Oh, Father, I really don't
think that's necessary.
- No, I want them to meet Myra.
I want them to meet
this delightful jewel
who's going to grace
our little household.
- Father, eventually,
Myra and I will want
to live here with you
and Mother, but I think
for the first two or
three years an apartment
in New York would
be more the thing.
- Nonsense.
Don't talk such utter nonsense!
You'll live here, here in
this house, do you understand?
And no place else.
After all, what's a
house without children?
- Yes, but Father.
- Silence!
If you expect any help from me,
you'll get it here,
here, under this roof
and no where else.
Do you understand?
Is that clear?
And as for you my
exquisite young lady,
you'd better understand
that the best thing
you can do is to
settle down right here.
This is my home.
And I intend to keep it so.
- Well.
(moans and cries)
(suspenseful music)
(moaning and crying)
- Ah.
Good morning, darling.
- Ah, good morning.
Did you sleep well?
- Mm.
- Would you like some breakfast?
- That sounds wonderful.
I'm starved.
- Our family must
seem a bit unusual.
- Well, I suppose all
families seem a little odd
the first time you visit them.
- Yes, well, I've been
brought up in a rather
different sort of
atmosphere, I suppose,
but Mother's really
quite normal, outside
her penchant for poodles
in large quantities, and
Father, in spite of his
eccentricities seems to hold
a secure position
on Wall Street.
- Must be difficult for
them to accept someone
who's here to steal
away their only son.
- Oh.
Why, it's just the
gardener, dear.
(laughter)
- Knowleton, who lives
in the room above mine?
Because I'm almost sure
I heard someone crying,
upstairs, it sounded
like a child.
Knowleton?
- Well, there's no one up there.
It was either your imagination,
or something you ate.
Or possibly one of the
maids was being sick.
- Do they live upstairs?
- Ah, lovely, lovely,
lovely, lovely.
- Ah, good morning,.
- [Knowleton] Good morning.
- Thank you, Bower, thank you.
Oh, I think our
neighbors are just going
to fall in love with
our little prize.
- Father, you didn't.
- Well, I had Monroe
call up a few people.
We sometimes give
informal little things.
Oh, it's going to
be quite delightful.
- But, I told you I.
- It's only a few
friendly neighbors.
Myra doesn't mind, do you Myra?
- It's alright, Knowleton,
you know I love parties.
- Oh, Cora, could I have
some coffee, please?
Eh, Cora.
I'm afraid the war has
spoiled our domestic help,
don't you agree, Myra?
- Well.
- Knowleton?
- Yes.
- I've been thinking about
your father's insistence
that we live here.
Isn't there some way
of changing his mind?
I think it's very
important that we have
our privacy, darling.
- I'm not sure what he
would do if I crossed him.
He still has me on an allowance,
a very generous one.
- Couldn't you go to
work for another company?
You have a lot of
very good experience.
- I doubt I could earn enough
to support us very well.
- Oh, Knowleton.
You don't give
yourself enough credit.
I know you can do very well.
And besides, once your
father got used to the idea
of us living alone,
he'll change his mind.
- Or perhaps I could
talk to Mother.
I'm not sure how
she feels about it.
- Do you think so?
Oh, darling, if she could
convince your father,
that would be wonderful!
I love you so much, Knowleton.
What is it?
- Nothing, darling.
I love you, too.
- I'd begun to wonder if I'd
ever hear you say that again.
You've been acting so
strangely ever since I arrived.
I'd begun to wonder if
you've changed your mind
about marrying me.
- Look, everything will be fine.
I'll take care of it, somehow.
(whimpering and snoring)
(knocking)
(barking)
- Hush now!
Come in.
(creaking door)
Yes, who is it?
- It's Myra Harper,
Mrs. Whitney.
How are you feeling?
- Much better, thank you.
Especially since
I've heard the news.
- News?
- Yes, Mr. Whitney told me that
you and Knowleton will
be living with us.
- Mrs. Whitney, that's
just what I'm here
to talk to you about.
Has Knowleton spoken to you?
- Knowleton?
Where is my Knowleton?
I haven't seen him all day.
- I believe he's downstairs.
I'll ask him to come up.
He wants to talk to you about.
- We'll have such fun.
You can keep me company.
We'll play cards together,
and you can read aloud to me.
We're going to be
great friends, Myra.
(happy music)
(laughter)
- Myra, Myra!
Myra, you must meet
Mrs. Cavanaugh,
one of our very dearest
and oldest friends.
She's Knowleton's godmother.
Well, there she is, Myra Harper.
Isn't she everything I told you?
- I'm pleased to meet you.
- Harper.
By any chance, are you related
to Judge Harper, of Saratoga?
- No, I don't think so.
- Pity.
You know of course,
that Knowleton used
to go around with one
of the Vanderbilt girls?
I can't think why he let her go.
Pardon me.
- Myra, what's wrong?
Who was that?
- Don't you know her?
- I've never seen her before.
But most of these people are
Mother and Father's friends.
What did she say to you?
Is everything alright?
- I'm sorry, darling.
Things are just so
different from the way
I thought they'd be.
- I am terribly sorry.
- Knowleton, I spoke
to your mother today,
and she said that you.
- [Mr. Whitney] Hence.
- Now, what's this.
- Now, our little vaudeville
is just about to begin,
so will you please come
down and take your seats?
- Oh, it's just a little
something that Father sometimes
hooks up to entertain
the neighbors.
You may enjoy it.
- Your father never runs
out of surprises, does he?
- Now, I know that you're going
to love our first performer.
Mr. Wolf tells me he's
been practicing for weeks,
and he assures me that
he has come up with a few
things, he tells me have
never before been seen
in Westchester County.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
(crowd laughs)
(applause)
(spirited music)
(shrieking violin)
- Oh,
many a cup of this
forbidden wine
must drown the memory
of that insolence.
(whining bagpipes)
* Yearning, burning, glory
* L'amour toujours
* L'amour
(applause)
(lively music)
(applause and cheering)
- Ah, splendid!
- What?
I really don't want.
- Now, I that know that most
of you have had the honor
of meeting Miss Myra Harper.
And she's a delicious
girl, I can tell you.
And I in a positon to
know, because she intends
to become the wife of my son.
(clapping)
(applause)
Not only is Miss Harper
a beautiful woman,
but she's, she's
talented as well.
She confided in me last
night that she sings.
And she confessed
that she has a taste
in popular music.
So now Miss Harper
is going to favor us
with a popular song.
(applause)
- Do you know
Wave That Wishbone?
- Uh, let me see.
Yes, we've got it.
- Alright, let's do it.
* Once they danced the minuet
* Not so long ago
* They waltzed
around and pirouette
* So proper don't you know
* But now the day is over
* And everybody knows
* Today there is a new step
* And this is how it goes
* Just wave that
* Wishbone
* I know you know how
* Wave that wishbone for
al thatl the law will allow
* I know you've always
been a quiet sort of guy
* But you can learn to
wave it baby, don't be shy
* Wave that wishbone,
show me that you can
* If you can learn to do
it you can lead me anywhere
* Just give me a hit
of that tickle toe
* Rag it up, cause
don't you know
* When you wave that
wishbone, I fall apart
* When you wave that wishbone
you've got my heart *
(clapping)
(very light applause)
(clapping)
- Heavens, was I
as bad as all that?
- No, no, no you were wonderful,
you're a delightful actress.
You'll be quite an addition
to our little plays.
- Did I shock them?
- No, nonsense, nonsense.
Why don't you do an encore?
- No.
- [Mr. Whitney] Everything's
going to be alright.
Will you please trust me?
- [Knowleton] I
absolutely refuse to.
- Knowleton, don't worry,
everything is going to be fine.
Oh, Myra, Knowleton has
something to say to you.
- Now, look I said I.
- Silence!
I want you to do your duty now.
- What is it, darling?
- Myra, there's something
I have to tell you.
I know you've been
wondering why that
door is locked.
There's a condition
in our family,
it's hereditary.
(ominous music)
- [Myra] Knowleton,
what's in there?
- [Knowleton] Sh.
Father insisted you
should know everything
about the family.
I realize this is going to
be difficult for you, but
(squeaking of door hinge)
(cries and moans)
- Who is that?
- My first cousin.
He's been living
up there ever since
his father abandoned him.
(moaning)
It's important that
you see this because
this could happen to us.
- I can't!
- You have to.
(screaming and wailing)
(crying and moaning)
- Myra, I'm so sorry.
Oh, God.
(ticking and bells)
(muffled voices)
- [Mrs. Whitney] I know,
I know, I know, Knowleton.
- A thousand?
Say 2500 and you'll
be nearer the truth.
I got a bill today from
Graham Kennels for those
damn poodle dogs.
They're soaking me for
200, and saying they've
got to have them back tomorrow.
- [Mr. Whitney]
Well, send them back.
We're through with them.
- That's a mere item,
including your
salary, and Kelly's.
And that fellow who
did the chauffeur,
and the 35 extras for the show,
and the orchestra,
that's nearly 1200.
And then there's that
fellow in the attic.
And all the bribes to
the servants, lord.
- [Mr. Whitney] For pity's
sakes, pull yourself
together and carry it
through till the end.
- Sure.
Take my word for it.
That darned girl'll be
out of the house by noon.
- No.
- Oh, come on.
Buck up, it's all over.
You know, I thought for a
minute there in the hall
you were going to balk at
that insanity business.
- It was that song that
knocked the spots out of me.
That was about the meanest
trick ever pulled on a girl.
And she was so
darned game about it.
- Well, she had to be.
- Oh, Kelly, if you could've
seen the way she looked
at me before she fainted
in front of that door.
Lord, I believe she
really does love me.
Wonder if there was
anything I could do now.
Anything in the world that
would smooth this over,
I believe I'd do it.
- Now, look here,
my boy, look here.
Your trouble is just nerves.
It's a cinch the girl
was after your money.
Ain't that so, Appleton?
- Absolutely, go on,
go through with it.
- Well, if she really
did love me, she wouldn't
have let it all
affect her this much.
I mean, after all, she's
not marrying my family.
- Oh, I thought we tried
to make it pretty obvious
that she is.
- Oh, shut up.
- Look at it this way.
You're beating her
at her own game.
You've saved yourself
an unhappy marriage,
a lot of suffering
by your family.
She'll creep off and
never say a word about it,
and your family'll
be none the wiser.
- Yeah, you're right.
You're right, I suppose.
Oh, but if you could have
seen the look on her face.
(dramatic music)
(sobbing)
(gentle music)
- Good morning.
- Sit down.
Sit down, I want to talk to you.
I've got to talk to you.
For heaven's sake,
have pity on me.
- [Myra] What do you mean?
- I've done a ghastly thing.
To you, to me, to us.
Look, I haven't a
word to say in favor
of myself, I've been,
I've been just rotten.
I think it was a sort of madness
that came over me.
- You'll have to give me a hint
as to what you're talking about.
- Myra,
oh, my, my, my, my, my.
Myra, Mr. Whitney
is not my father.
- You mean you were adopted?
- No, I mean, Ludlow
Whitney is my father,
but that man you met
isn't Ludlow Whitney.
- I know.
He's Warren Appleton, the actor.
- How on earth did you.
- I recognized him
the first night.
- What, you knew?
- Of course.
How could I help it?
It just made me wonder what
the whole thing was about.
- I'm going to tell
you the whole story.
- [Myra] I'm all ears.
- It starts with my mother.
My real one, not that clown
with those idiotic dogs.
I'm her only child.
And her greatest
disappointment was
that I wasn't a girl so
I could marry a title.
Instead, she wanted to
drag me off to England,
marry me off to the
sister of an Earl,
the daughter of a Duke.
Right before she let
me stay here alone,
she made me promise
I wouldn't see
any girl more than twice.
And then I met you.
You were the first
girl in my life I ever
thought of marrying.
Myra, you intoxicated me.
It was almost as if you
were making me love you,
by some invisible force.
- I was.
- But after we got engaged,
I felt like my own man
for the first time.
Then a letter came
from my mother,
saying she was bringing
home my wife-to-be.
Lady Helen, or
something or other.
And the same day, a man told me
he'd heard I'd been
caught by the most
famous husband hunter
in all of New York.
Well.
Well, between those two
things, I went half crazy.
I came into town to call
the whole thing off,
but when I saw you,
all I could do was send
you off to Cleveland alone.
Then I ran into
Appleton on the street.
And within an hour, he'd
hatched up this ghastly plan,
it was his plan,
all the details.
He was so persuasive,
he convinced me
it was the kindest way out.
- Finish.
- It went splendidly,
we thought.
Everything.
The station meeting,
the dinners, the screams
in the night, the
vaudeville, though I thought
that was too much.
Until, oh Myra, when you
fainted in that stairway,
and I held you in my arms,
helpless as a baby,
I knew I loved you.
I was sorry then.
By any possible chance
you can bring yourself
to forgive and
forget, I'll marry you
whenever you say.
Let my family go to the devil,
and I'll love you all my life.
(dripping water)
- You're perfectly sure?
- Yes.
- Very well.
It was a bad mistake.
But if you're sure
you love me now,
that's the main thing.
We'll go to town this morning,
get a license, and I'll
call my cousin, Walter,
who's a minister in the
First Presbyterian Church.
We can go west tonight.
- Oh, Myra, you're a marvel.
I'm not fit to tie
your shoestrings.
I'm going to make
this up to you,
my darling girl.
- I knew I could
count on you, Walter.
Well, we should be
there about two o'clock.
That'll be fine, Walter.
I want it simple.
But memorable.
- [Voiceover] Knowleton?
- Mm.
It's awfully nice of you to go
to all this trouble, Walter.
- Well, it's not everyday my
little cousin gets married.
- Mm.
- Now, where are you going to
be going on your honeymoon?
- California.
- Hm.
That sounds wonderful.
(door buzzer)
- Ah, that must be
the Winchesters.
Pardon me.
- The witnesses.
- Ah.
- Now, now.
Let's not rush things.
- [Voiceover] In all
duty and service,
in all faith and tenderness,
to live with her,
and cherish her
according to the
ordinance of God,
in the holy bond of marriage.
- I will.
- Myra, wilt thou have
this man to be thy husband,
and wilt thou pledge thy
troth to him in all love,
and honor, in all duty
and service, in all faith
and tenderness, to live
with him, and cherish him
according to the ordinance
of God, in the holy bond
of marriage?
- I will.
- [Voiceover] Do
you have the rings?
- And now with the
power vested in me
by the state of New York.
(train whistle)
- Oh.
(humming a happy tune)
- Here's to.
- [Myra] Darn.
- What, what is it, darling?
- In all the excitement,
I forgot my bag
at Walter's.
- Oh, never mind.
We'll buy you a whole
new wardrobe in Chicago.
- But I was really counting
on having it with me.
I'll telephone him and tell
him where to send it on.
- Well, I don't think we
have enough time, darling.
Do you really need.
- Don't worry, darling,
I'll be right back.
Don't move till I get back.
- Well, hurry, darling.
Oh.
- How'd it go, Myra?
- Fine, Walter,
you were splendid.
I almost wish you'd
join the ministry so you
can officiate when
I do get married.
- Well, I rehearsed
for a half an hour
after you called.
(train whistle sounding)
- I wish we'd had more time.
I'd have had him
lease an apartment
and buy furniture.
(sad, slow music)
- Wonder how far he'll
go on his honeymoon?
- I don't know.
He'll think I'm on the train
till he gets to Elizabeth.
He's getting off too easy.
Far too easy.
- I still haven't figured
out what that fellow
did to you, Myra.
- You never will, I hope.
- It seems to me,
with all his money,
he could've given you
everything you ever wanted.
- The price was too high.
- What price?
- My pride.
You've been an angel, Walter.
I can't thank you enough.
- Well, anytime I
can be of use to you.
What are you going
to do with his ring?
- That's the question.
I may just sell it to Lady
Helen or something or other.
Well, I've always
had a strong penchant
for souvenirs.
(rumble of traffic)
- Taxi!
- [Voiceover] Where
can I drop you?
- Tell him the Biltmore, Walter.
- [Voiceover] Biltmore, driver.
(upbeat music)